Pinch pointing machine



May 6, 1958 E. A. 'riscH PINCH POINTING MACHINE' 8 Sheets- Sheet 1 Filed June 2,1, 1955 IN VEN TOR. 1f/266i d 7660?@ May 6, 1958 E. A. rr-:scl-l PINCH POINTING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 21, i955 IN VEN TOR. W365i d Tac BY E. A. TEscH PINcI-x POINTING MACHINE May 6, 1958 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 21. 1955 May 6, 1958 E. Ai 'rl-:SCH

PINCH POINTING MACHINE 8 Shee'ts-Sheecl 4 Filed June 2l, 1955 May 6, 1958 E. A. rr-:SCH

PINCH PQINTING MACHINEA Filed June 21, 1955 INVENTOR. W266i Z 7256/2 By' I May 6, 1958 E. A. 'rlv-:scH

PINCH POINTING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheetv 6 Filed June 21, 1955 w. m m m May 6, 1958 E. A. 'rEscH y 2,832,971

PINCH POINTING MACHINE Filed lune '21. 19.5.5.

8 Sheets-She-et '7 INVENTOR.

May 6, 1958 E. A. 'rEscH 2,832,971 PINCH POINTING MACHINE: A l

Filed June 21. 1955 a sheets-'sheet a INVENTOR. l 1f/zwi@ T666@ United States Patent O PIN CH POINTING MACHINE Ernest A. Tesch, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Pheoll Manuiltlrlchtluring Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Application June 21, 1955, Serial No. 516,953

35 Claims. (Cl. 10 21) This invention relates to metal working machines and is more particularly concerned with improvements in a machine for pointing the shank end of a .screw blank or similar workpiece.

lt is a general object of the invention to provide an improved machine Ifor forming a point at the end of the shank yof a headed blank of the-type which is employed in the manufacture of screws, nails or similar devices, which machine is adapted to operate at a rate of speed several times greater than any of the machines heretofore developed for this purpose.

It is -a more specific object of the invention to provide a machine which comprises mechanism for feeding metal blanks or workpieces of the type which consist of a shank portion and a head portion, mechanism for separating the blanks into predetermined spaced relation and for advancing the same in spaced single tile formation and mechanism for pinching the ends of the shanks of successive blanks between a pair of movable dies to vform thereon a point.

It is a further object of the invention -to provide in a machine' for forming a point on the shank end `of a workpiece of the type which comprises a head and an integral shank, mechanism for delivering the workpieces in sideby-side single file relation, a guideway for supporting the workpieces in aligned relation as they are advanced to `a pointing station, mechanism for separating the workpieces and for advancing them along the guideway in spaced relation to the pointing station, a pair of forming dies .mounted at 'the pointing station, mechanism for imparting relative movement to the dies to intermittently bring vthem into pointing engagement with the ends of the .'shanks of successive workpieces.

It is another object ofthe invention to provide a machine for forming a point on the shank end of a workpiece which is characterized by a head portion and a shank portion, said machine comprising mechanism for feeding the workpieces in single iile arrangement toward a work station, mechanism for separating the workpieces in predetermined spaced relation as they yadvance toward the work station, a pair of forming dies which are mounted at the work station for movement in closed paths portionrmechanism `for advancing the workpieces in predetermined spaced relation toward and past a work station, a pair of pointing dies mounted for movement on opposite sides of the work station and mechanism for moving Ythe dies toward and from engagement with the end of the shank'portion of successive workpieces topoint ICC the ends of successive workpieces as they are advanced relative to the work station.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in a pinch pointing machine a pair of pointing dies which are mounted on opposite sides of the path of movement of successive workpieces, and eccentrically mounted holders for the dies which are operative to continuously move the dies in oppositely disposed paths which brings them into engagement with successive workpieces f-or forming a point thereon.

It is another object of the invention to provide a machine for pointing the ends of blanks of the type employed in the manufacture of screws which machine comprises a mechanism f-or feeding the workpieces in a single line formation, a pair of pointing dies, a pair of oppositely disposed holders for the dies which are eccentrically mounted on pairs of rotating shafts, a blank separating and conveying mechanism for separating the advancing blanks and for carrying them forward in predetermined spaced relation to a predetermined position between the dies and mechanism for operating the shafts and the blank spacing and conveying mechanism in timed relation whereby successive blanks are pointed by engagement with the dies as they are carried between the same by the separating and conveying mechanism.

It is another object of the invention to provide a machine for pointing the ends of screw blanks or similar workpieces which comprises mechanism -for feeding the blanks in single file formation with the heads thereof supported on guide members, cooperating pointing dies mounted on movable holders which are positioned on opposite sides of the blank supporting guide members, mechanism for operating Ithe die holders continuously to move the dies in laterally extending'paths toward and from pinch pointing engagement with successive blanks and mechanism mounted on the die holders and movable with the dies to intermittently engage the blanks and to advance successive blanks along the guide members and into position for engagement by the dies.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in a machine of the type described a hold-down mechanism for resiliently holding each of the yworkpieces against upward movement away from the guide members on which they are supported as successive workpieces are advanced to the proper position between the dies and the dies are operated to engage and-point the same.

It is still -a further object of the invention to providea lubricating system for a machine of the type described wherein the vertical shafts and their associated bearing members are provided with connecting oil passageways extending to the upper ends of the shafts and the drive means for the shafts comprises one or more pairs of interengaging helical gears around which an oil chamber is formed and which pump the oil from the chamber into the passageways and circulate it through the same.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the machine which is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a pinch pointing machine having incorporated therein the principal features of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross section taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. l, to an enlarged scale and with portions broken away;

Fig. 3 is a cross section taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2, with portions broken away;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2, to an enlarged scale and with portions of the mechanism shown in elevation and other portions broken away;

Fig. 5 is a sectiontaken yon the line 5-5 of Fig. 4 with portions of the mechanism broken away or omitted;

Fig. 6 is a partial end elevation with portions broken away, the view being taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig.` 7 is a cross section takenv on the line 7-7 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a section taken yon the line 8--8 of Fig. 4;

Figs. 9, l0 and 11 are sectional views similar to Fig. 8 illustrating successive positions of the blank forwarding and pinching die members;

Fig. 12 is a cross section taken on the line 12-12 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is a cross section taken on the line 13--13 of Fig. 12; l

Fig. 14 is a cross section taken `on line 14-14 of Fig. l to an enlarged scale;

Fig. 15 is'a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 8 and illustrating an alternative form of the machine; and

Figs. 16, 17 and 18 are sectional views, corresponding to Figs. 9, l0 and l1, and illustrating successive positions of the blank forwarding and pinching die members, which are shown in Fig. 15.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a machine which embodies therein the principal features of the inv a feed mechanism 15 which is adapted to receive a quantity of the workpieces 10 and which arranges the same in single tile, depending stem relation on the upper portion 16 of an inclined feed chute 17. The inclined feed chute 17 extendsto a work station 18 at the other end of the top surface 14 of the supporting frame 13. A pinch pointing die mechanism 19 is located at the work station 1S and also mechanism cooperating therewith for advancing the workpieces 10 in timed relation to the pinching operation of the pointing die mechanism 19 so that each successive workpiece 10 is Apointed and then delivered to the discharge chute 20 which conveys. the finished `pieces to the receptacle or pan 21, the latter being supported on the shelf formation 22 at the other or forward end of the frame structure 13.

The mechanism 15 which is provided for orienting and feeding the work blanks 16 to the machine is preferably of the rotating drum `type and, for example, may be the construction shown in Henderson Patent No. 2,531,099 granted November 21, 1950. It comprises an open hop per or scuttle portion 23 into which a quantity `of the work blanks 10 are deposited and from which they are delivered to the inside of a bucket carrying drum V24 in the main portion of the mechanism 15 which carries the workpieces 10 upwardly to the top of its orbit and dew posits them on the inclined upper portion or section 16 of the discharge or feed chute-17. The workpieces are oriented as they are dropped onto the supporting chute section 16 so that they are arranged in depending stem, single line relation as they leave the mechanism 15 and move down the feed chute 17 toward the workstation 18. i

The feed o1'. delivery chute 17 includes a pair of spaced vertical plates or rails 25 which extend at a downwardly inclined angle from the mechanism 15 and are supported on a bracket 26 which is attached by welding or the like to the forward facey of the feedmechanism 15.' The bracket 26 (Figs. 1 and 14) carries a pair of adjusting wedge brackets 27, the latter being laterally spaced and extending upwardly fronian upstanding central rib formation 28 on the bracket 26 which has side faces`29 taper` ing downwardly and inwardly in the lengthwise direction thereof. The wedge brackets 27 have tapered inside faces 30` with the taper extending lengthwise thereof which are adapted to engage with the tapered side faces 29 of the rib 28. The rib 28 is provided with longitudinally spaced elongate slots 31 and the brackets 29 are clamped to the rib 28 by bolts 32 extending through the slots 31 so that they may be moved lengthwise of the rib 28 to adjust within certain limits the space between them. The adjusting brackets 27 have upstanding leg portions which are connected to the plate-like supporting rails 25 of the chute 17 by bolts 33 which are received in elongate slots 34 in the brackets 27. The rails are adjusted laterally to provide the proper space for movement therein of the stem portion 12 of the workpiece 10 with the head portion 11 of the latter being supported on the top edges of the side rails 25. The workpieces 10 are held against upward movement away from the side rails 25 by a top guide bar 35 which is supported in vertically adjusted position on the rails 25 by means of upstanding brackets 36 which are spaced longitudinally of the rails 25 and attachedr thereto by bolts or other fasteners 37. The brackets 36 are provided in the upper ends thereof with upwardly opening slots 38 for receiving centering bolts 39. The bolts 39 are arranged to permit the top guide bar 35 to be centered above the space between the support rails 25 so as to properly engage the head portion 11 of each workpiece 10.

The blank supporting rails 25 (Figs. 4 and 5) extend to a point adjacent the work station and support on their ends right and left chute extension members 43 and 44 which are attached `to the rails 25 by bolts or other fasteners 4S extending through upright flange portions 46 and 47, respectively. The chute extension members 43 and 44 extend forwardly of the ends of the chute rails 25 in a generally horizontal plane and are arranged in laterally spaced relation with confronting horizontal flanges 48 and 49 which are in the same ,horizontal plane and which form extensions of the top edges of the chute rails 25 to receive thereon the heads 11 of the work blanks 10. The chute extensions 43 and 44 are provided at their forward ends with oppositely disposed laterally extending block formations 50 and 51 which have vertically extending threaded apertures 52 and 53 for receiving bolts 54 and 55 which secure the same to a front support member 56.

The support member S6 is in the form of an inverted U-shaped bracket which extends transversely of the machine and has a top cross piece 57 provided with elongate apertures 58.and 58 for receiving in adjusted relation therein the bolts 54 and 55. The support bracket 56 is secured to a portion of the top 14 of the main frame 13.by means of bolts 58 which extend through suitable apertures in oppositely` disposed anges 59 at the bottom ends of the vertical leg members 60. The support bracket 56 carries at the upper ends of the legs 60 thereof a pair of bearing brackets 61 which are secured to the forward faces of the legs 60 by bolts 62 or other fastener members and which are provided with trans versely aligned apertures 63 for receiving an adjusting screw 64 for the chute extensions 43 and 44. The adjusting screw 64 is provided at its opposite ends with right and left hand threads which are received in the transversely extending threaded apertures 65 and 66 in the end block portions 50and 51 of the chute extensions 43 and 44 with the block portions 50 and 51 being positioned between the bearing brackets 61. The adjusting screw 64 is held in position by collars 67 and provided on its end with a nut-like head formation 68 for receiving a suitable tool for rotating the same to adjust the chute extensions 43 and44 toward and from each other. Operation of the adjusting screw 64, of course, adjusts the space between the work blank supporting anges 48 and 49 of the vchute extensions 43 andf44 only at the forward end ofthe same. .The chute extensions 43 and `44 are attached `at their` other ends to the` inclined -chute trails 25 which are adjusted laterally by adjusting the wedge brackets 27'. The work blanks 10 move from the chute rails 25 directly onto the head supporting flanges 48 and 49 of the chute extensions 43 and 44 which arevcurved upwardly at their ends into alignment with the top edges of the chute rails 25.

Mechanism is provided for interrupting the movement of the work blanks as ythey advance on to the supporting anges 48 and 49 and for separating the blanks into predetermined spaced relation. The mechanism, which will be described subsequently, also advances the blanks 10 in spaced relation to the work station 18, where the pinching operation is accomplished, and thereafter advances the finished blanks 10 in contacting relation to the forward or discharge end of the blank supporting flanges 48 and 49.

While the blanks 10 are moved along the supporting tlanges 48 and 49 they are held in proper position by a hold-down mechanism 70 (Figs. 4 and 6) which comprises an elongate hold-down bar 71 and a plurality of spring loaded tappets or hold-downv devices 72, 73 and 74. The bar 71 is of rectangular cross section and is arranged in upright horizontal position above the blank supporting anges 48 and 49. The bar 71 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced vertical recesses 75, which are shown as ve in number and which are separated an equal distance from each other-and an end recess 76 which is separated from the adjacent recess 75 by a somewhat greater distance. The recesses 75 and 76 are all the same size and communicate at their lower ends with a downwardly opening longitudinally extending channel-shaped slot or groove 77 in the lower face of the bar 71. The recesses 75 and 76 are adapted to receive the hold-down devices 72, 73 and 74 which differ only in the construction of the lower head portions or shoes 78, 79 and 80. Each hold-down device 73 (Fig. 4) comprises an opstanding stem or shank portion 81,- and a lower head portion 82 of somewhat larger cross sectional diameter than the shank portion 81. The head portion 82 is slidably received in the lower portion of the recess 75 while the stem 81 is of sufficient length to permit the upper end thereof to extend through the upper end portion 83 of the recess 75 which is of smaller cross sectional diameter than the main portion thereof. A washer and nut 84 are secured on the upper end of the stem 81 which limits the downward movement of the latter while a compression spring 85 is provided between the head portion 82 and the internalshoulder 86 in the recess 75 which urges the stern 81 and the head 82 in the downward direction to hold the shoe member 79 in engagement with the heads 11 of the work blanks 10 as they are moved along the supporting members 48 and 49 beneath the same. The shoe 79 which forms the bottom portion of the head 82 is elongate and is seated in the bottom groove 77 in the bar 71. The rearward edge of the shoe 79 is beveled at 87 to insure that the heads 11 of the blanks 10 will slide beneath the same as they are moved forward. The shoe 78 on the first hold-down device 72 whichy is at the feed-in end of the bar 71 has a beveled or curved surface 88 on the lower face for the same purpose. The shoes 79 on the next four hold-down devices 73 are identical and the shoe 80 on the endmost hold-down device 74 is elongated to extend over and hold down the heads 11 of a plurality of the blanks 10 which are moved beyond the point at which the end pointing or pinching operation is accomplished. The rearward edge of shoe 80 is beveled at 89 in the same manner as shoes 79.

The hold-down bar 71 is adjustably supported at its forward end on a pivot member 90 (Figs. 4 and 6) which extends through a bearing aperture 91 in an upward extension 92 on the forward end of the bar 71. The pivot member 90 includes a pivot forming portion 93 which is threaded at its one end to receive a-clamp nut 94. The member 90 has an intermediate portion 95 which is rectangular in cross section and which is adapted to be received in sliding relation in a rectangular guidewayk forming aperture 96 in an upstanding bracket member 97 which extends rearwardly from the top cross bar 57 of thev U-shaped support bracket 56. 'I'he pivot member also has a squared portion 98 adjacent the rectangular portion which forms a spacer between the bracket 97 and the pivot bearing portion 92 of the bar member 71. At'its other end the pivot member 90 has a threaded shank portion 99 which is adapted to receive the clamp nut 100 and a clamp washer 101, the latter having a squared portion 102 extending into the guideway 96 so that when the nuts 94 and 100 are drawn tight the pivot 90 is clamped relative to the bar 71 and the support bracket 97. A height adjusting screw 103 is provided which is received in vertically aligned top and bottom bearing apertures 104 and 105 in the bracket 97 and which has screw threaded engagement in a vertically extending aperture 106 in the intermediate slide forming portion 95 of the pivot member 90. The adjusting screw 103 has a tool receiving head 107 and a lock nut 108 on its lower end to permit it to be rotated for4 adjusting the pivot 90 and thereafter to be held or locked in adjustedV position.

The hold-down bar 71 is supported at its other end on a bracket 110`which is in the form of an inverted U with forwardly and outwardly extending flanges 111 at the bottom ends of the legs which `are provided with vertically extending slots 112 for receiving clamp bolts 113 which extend upwardly of laterally extending bracket members or formations 114 and 115 on the chute extensions 43 and 44, respectively. The slots 112 are elongate in the direction transverse of the machine so that they permit adjustment of the chute extensions 43 and 44 and rails 25 relative to the support bracket 110. The attaching anges 111 on the bracket 110 are bridged by a cross piece 116 which extends across the top of the end of the guidezbar 35 and provides a bearing for the lower end of the height adjusting screw 117 for the hold-down bar 71. threadedrelation in an aperture 118 provided in an upwardly extending end attaching portion 119 on the holddown bar'71 and is provided with a lock nut 120 for locking it in position after adjustment. The adjustment screw 117 is held with its end in engagement with the cross bar 116 by means of a clamp plate 121 which extends between the head of the adjusting screw 117 and a top cross bar portion 122 of the bracket 110 and which has a rear shoulder 123 providing a pivot point aboutwhich the clamp plate 121 is drawn into tight engagement with the head of the screw 116 by aclamp bolt 124.which engages .in threaded relation in an aperture 125 provided in the top cross bar portion 122 of the bracket 110. The position of the hold-down bar 71 is, of course, first adjusted by rotation of the adjusting screw 117 and thereafter the screw.117 is locked in position relative to the bai- 71 by 'the lock nut 120. The clamp plate 121 is then positioned in bridging relation between the top of the head of the, screw and the top cross bar 122 of the bracket 110 and securely fastened by the stud bolt yor clamp screw 124. y

The blanks 10 are advanced beneath thehold-down mechanism 70 with the depending'shank portions 12 moving in a linear path which is in a vertical plane between a pair of oppositely disposed die holders or carrier members and 131. The die holders or carriers 130 and 131 are in the form of elongate blocks of generally rectangular cross section which are arranged in oppositely disposed relation on opposite sides of the path of movement of the blanks 10 and which are mounted for movement on pairs of upright shafts 132, 133 and 134, 135 which shafts are arranged in generally rectangular relation. The respective shafts of each pair are aligned in the direction longitudinallyof the ma The screw 117v is engaged in gestaan The die carrying members 130 and 131 are supportedY on the upper ends of the vertical crank sha-fts 132, 133 and 134, 135 by the eccentric formations 136, 137 and 138, 139, respectively, the latter being formed as integral portions of the crank shafts. The crank shafts 132, 133 and 134, 135 are mounted in laterally and longitudinally spaced bearing apertures 190 in a bearing block 191 which is secured `in the top of the main frame 13. Each of the crank shafts 132, 133 and 134, 135 is mounted in an identical manner and the detailed description will refer to shafts 133 and 135 as shown particularly in Fig. 2, it being understood that corresponding mounting structure is provided for the other two shafts 132 and 134. Each shaft is mounted in an upper bearing sleeve 192 which extends a short distance above the top surface of the bearing block 191 and engages with the bottom surface of a shoulder formation 193 on the respective crank shaft below the eccentric forming portion thereon. Each crank shaft is also supported by a lower bearing in a block 194 which is mounted in a plate 195 which is attached by bolts 196 or other suitable fasteners to inwardly extending ange formation 197 on the main frame 13. The block 194 is provided with spaced bearing apertures 198 which are aligned with the bearing apertures 190 in the upper bearing block 191 and in each aperture 198 there is provided `a bearing sleeve 199. Three of the apertures 19S which receive crank shafts 132, 134 and 135 are closed on the bottom by a cover plate 200 secured to the block 194 by bolts 201 or other fasteners.

The crank shaft 133 forms the driving shaft and is provided with an end portion 202 of reduced section which extends through the open lower endy of the aperture 198 in the bearing block 194 which receives this shaft. The shaft end 202 receives in keyed relation thereon the hub portion 203 of a driving ywheel 204. The flywheel 204 is provided with a central aperture 205 which receives the hub 203 and which is held in frictional engagement with a peripheral flange 206` thereon by a clamp plate 207. The clamp plate 207 is provided with a central aperture 208 which fits over the upper portion 209 of the hub 203 and a portion of its lower face is held in frictional engagement with a portion of the upper face of the flywheel 204 by means of a series of peripherally spaced spring pressed bolts 210 which extend through aligned apertures in the clamp plate 207 and the hub 203 and which receive on their lower ends compression springs 211, the latter being held thereon by a washer and nut 212. The hub 203 is restrained against axial movement on the end 202 of the crank shaft by a cap plate 213 and an attaching stud bolt 214 which is secured in threaded engagement in an aperture in the crank shaft. The clamp plate 207 is provided with an upstanding pin 215 to facilitate turning the shaft 133 manually. The ywheel 204 is connected by suitable drive belts or chains 216 with the pulley 217 on the drive shaft of an operating motorl 218 which is mounted on a supporting structure indicated at 219 within the rear end of the main frame 13.

The crank shaft 133 is connected in driving relation with the oppositely disposed crank shaft 135 by means of a pair of helical gears 220 (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 8) which are keyed to the shafts 133 and 135, respectively, above thrust bearings 221, the latter being provided between the top of the lower bearing block 194 and the lower faces of the gears 220. The shafts 132 and 134 are connected in driving relation by another pair of helical gears 220 and the paired gears are interconnected in driving relation by a pinion 222 (Figs. 1 and 3) which is rotatably mounted on a pinion shaft 223 which is secured in vertically extending relation in a side portion of the upper bearing block 191.

The space between the upper and lower bearing blocks 191 and 194 constitutes a crank case in which there is maintained a supply of lubricating oil indicated at 224. Each pair of the helical gears 220 functions to pump lubricating oil upwardly from the supply 224 and distribute it throughout the operating parts. Oil grooves 225 476 are provided in the lower `face of the bearing block 191 (Fig. 3) which extend from the pitch lines at the point of contact of the helical gears 220, where they receive oil from the gears, to the bearing sleeves 192 where they connect with grooves 226 which extend axially of the sleeves and which connect with circumferential oil grooves 227 on the internal surface at the upper end of the bearing sleeves 192. The crank shafts are each provided with oil passageways which include a radial passageway 228 and a connecting axial passageway 229 which connects thev oil groove 2127 in the bearing sleeve 192 with -an axial recess 230 at the upper end of the shaft. The recess 230 is in turn connected by a radially extending passageway 231,with a circumferential groove 232 on the upper internal surface of a bushing 233 which is provided between the eccentric and the bearing aperture in the respective die holder in which it is seated. The bushing 233 has a vertical oil groove 234 and a lower circumferential groove 235 which provides a passageway for the oil, the groove 235 connecting with a radial passageway 236 in the shaft. The radial passageway 236 connects with an axial passageway 237 in the shaft which connects with a lower radial passageway 238 and through the latter returns the oil to the crank case through the thrust bearing 221. The passageway 237 is bored from the upper end of the shaft 139 and its entrance end is plugged or otherwise closed to prevent it from draining the recess 230. Each shaft 232, 233, 234 and 235 has an upper endcap 239 and also a cover member 240 which will retain oil escaping from the recess 230.

The die holders and 131 are provided at their oppositeends with at ring members 241 which are rigidly secured by welding or the like in suitable grooves provided in the bottom faces of the die holders. Each of the rings 241 forms part of an oil seal between the moving die holders 130 and 131 and the stationary bearing block 191. The other parts of the seal are xed on the block 191 around the top of each of the shaft bearing sleeves 192. Oil retainer members 242 are secured to the top surface of the bearing block 191 and surround the projecting upper edge of the bearing sleeves or bushings 192. Retainer members 242 are each provided with a groove or recess 243 in the upper edge for receiving a wiper ring 244 which engages with the bottom surface or overlying portions of the ring member 241 and prevents leakage of oil between the moving die holders and the bearing block 191. i

The ring members 241 also extend over the bottom ends of the die receiving recesses 146 and 147 in the inner faces of the die holders 130 and 131 and form a bottom support for the dies 144 and 145 (Fig. 4). One or more spacer blocks 245 may be positioned beneath the dies to adjust the height of the same as required by the length of the shank portion 12 of the blank 10.

A channel-shaped block 246 (Fig. 13) is secured by bolts or other fasteners 247 to the top of the bearing block 191 between each pair of longitudinally aligned ring members 241 with its open face engaged against the top surface of the bearing block 191 to form a passageway 248 for any oil which escapes around the top of sleeves 192 and vertical holes 249 are provided in the block 191 which connect the passageway 248 with the crank case for return of the oil to the latter, the sealing ring members being provided with radial passageways 250 connecting with passageway 248.

In operating the machine a supply of work blanks 10 is dumped into the hopper 23 of the feed mechanism 15 in scrambled condition. The feed mechanism 15 unscrambles the blanks 10 and arranges them-in row formation on the guide rails 25 of the feed chute 17. As the blanks move down the inclined chute 17 in abutting relation the blank stop member adjacent the foot of the chute 17 interrupts the movement of the blanks while preceding blanks are being forwarded to the pointing dies V144 and 145 by the spacer finger 165 and the feed plates` 176 and `179 which-advance successive Ablanks:spaced relationbeyond the blank` stop member t4155. Thespacer finger 165 is moved by operation-of the die carrier 130 in a path which brings it to the rear of the blank stop 155 and into engagement with the blank 10 which is engaged with the iblank stop. The spacer finger 165 is moved forwardly and advances the blank past the blank stop 155, forcing the latterout ofvits way. Ihe finger 165 moves the blank toa position .whereitg is spaced the requiredamount ahead of the blank stop 155'to be picked up by the rearmost linger 178 on the feed plate 176 as the latter is moved in its orbit by thedie lholder 130. The blanks 10 are held against upward movement by the shoes 78, 79 on the`holddown device 70 which resiliently `engage-thehead portions 11 on the blanks as they are advanced beneath the same. The pointing dies 144.antl 145 are carried towards-each other and ypoint the end of the shank 12 of `a blank 10 when theyare in a plane .extending through ,the axes'of the forwardcranlc shafts y133and 1-35. They are positioned relative to the path of the blanks 10 so that they engage withfthe .shank ends of successive blanks 10 `as the latter are moveddnto' proper `position for the pointing `operation by the .feed plate 176 and held against upward movement by the shoe 79. As the dies.144 and 145 advance in their'orbits the foremost linger 178 on `the feed plate `176moves the nished blank loforward and the latter is discharged into thechute .20 which carries it to the finished blankv pan 21. The mechanisms are operated at a relatively high speed to point successive blanks as they are automatically movedthrough the` same in a continuous stream.

An alternative form of blank spacing and forwarding mechanism is illustrated in Figs. l5 to 1'8, inclusive. In this form of the machine the die holders or support members 330 and 331 and the pinching die members 344 and 34S are identical'with the corresponding members 130, 131 and 144, 145 in the `form of the machine -previously described. Also they are located in the same position relative to the blank supporting devices and operated in the same manner so that rotation of `the vertical crank shafts on which they die holders 330 and S31-are mounted movesthe die members 344 and 345 continously in closed paths on opposite sides of the path of movement of the shank or stem portions 12 of the blanks and' intermittently positions the dies 344 and 345 in cooperating pinching engagement with the ends of successiveblanks for forming .points4 on the same. The position `of the dies 344 and 345 at vwhich the pinching occurs is illustrated in Fig. 14 while'succeeding positionsof the same in the direction of advancing movement thereof, as they travel in their respective orbits, are illustrated in Figs. 16, 17 and 18.

The` blanks are fed to the machine and advanced toward the pointing station .in the same manner as previously described. They are spaced relative to each other along the blank guiding and supporting members below which the Shanks 12 extend by a spacingiinger 3,65 which is resiliently mounted on the die holder 330 in the ,same manner as the spacer finger 165 and moves with the die holder.330 in an identical'path to engage the rearof the shankflZ of the blank which is temporarily stopped bythe spring pressed blank stop member indicated at 355. The spacer fingcr365 moves each successive blank apredetermincd'distance `to a position in `advance of the'blank stop member 355 where it is picked up and carried forward by a single feed plate 376. The feed plate 376vis similar to feed plate 176 and is secured-to thel top surface of the die holder 330 immediately above the die'344 oy bolts 377 or other fasteners. The inner edge of the feed plate 376 is provided with `spaced'ngers 378 which are separated -by inwardlyl extending generally V-shaped recesses or slots 379. -T he forward edges of the fingers 378 which are adapted to engage with the blanks extend transversely of the path of advancingmovement of the blanks rand in all Abut the leadingtinger378terrninate at v12 their inner ends inV a rounded edge portion forming the bottom or apex of the V-shaped slot 379 which separates it fromthe next adjacent ringer 378. The plate 376, of course, moves with the die holder 330 and the spacer inger 365, in a closedfpath, and in each cycle of movement advances the spaced blanks a distance corresponding to the space between the blanks, the leading finger 378 engaging the blank which has been pointed during v the previous cycle of operation and moving it away from the pinching position and the `next uger 178engaging the following blank and moving it into pinching position. In this form of the machine the blanks are forwarded or advanced at the pinching station by a single feed plate 376 carried on the die holder 330, the Shanks/12 of the blanks being otherwise held in alignment by the holddown devices cooperating with the guideway forming chute extensions on which the blanks are supported and the feed plate 179 which is shownin the previously de- .scribed machine is omitted. All other parts and operations of the machine are as in the previously described form thereof.

While specific details of construction have been referred to in describing the illustrated forms of the machine it will be understood that other details of construction may be resorted to within the spirit of the invention. Also it will be understood that while the machine is designed particularly to point screw blanks it may be employed with suitable adjustments to change the shape of any other blank of a similar character and of similar material which is capable of being shaped between cooperating die members.

I claim:

l. A machine for pointing workpieces which are characterized by a head lportion and an integral shank portion, means for supporting a plurality of the workpieces for movement in a'v predetermined path, said workpieces being supported with the shank portion depending from the heady portion, a pair of pointing dies mounted on movable die supporting members at opposite sides of the path of movement `of said workpieces, means for reciprocating said die supportingmembers in oppositely disposed generally circular paths whereby to bring the dies thereoninto cooperative engagement with successive workpieces, means associated with 'said die supporting members for separating the workpieces and spacing the Same along'said path as they approach the dies, and means mounted on -said die supporting members for advancing `the workpieces while they are in spaced relation between said dies.

2. A machine for pointing workpieces which are char acterized'by a head portion and an integral shank portion, guiding and supporting means for a plurality of the workpieces, said workpieces being arranged on said 4guiding and supporting means for advancing `movement in single iile relation, means cooperating with said supporting means lfor temporarily interrupting the advancing movement of said workpieces, cooperating pinching dies, movable supporting means forsaid pinching dies arranged on opposite sides of-thc path of movement of the workpieces, means `for moving said die supporting means in generally circular ypaths to reciprocate the dies in timed relation to the advancing movement of the workpieces and means on said die supporting meansfor engaging a plurality of the workpieces and advancing the same simultaneously wit-h'the-movement ofthe dies.

v3. Amachine for pointing workpieces which are characterized by a head `portion and a shank portion, 4said machine comprising a supply device -for unscrambling Ithe workpieces and 4delivering the same in single file formation with the shanks thereof in depending relation, a pointing station, means for supporting the work pieces at said pointing stationfa delivery chute `for supporting and guiding-the workpieces between the supply device and thepointing station, means at the pointing station for `separating `the workpieces-Aas they advauceteward` the 13 same into longitudinally spaced single le relation, die pointing members, holders for said die pointing members, means at said pointing station and on opposite sides of the path of advancing movement of the workpieces for mounting the holders for movement in generally circular closed paths, and means for moving the holders in their paths whereby to engage the die pointing members with the shank ends of successive workpieces.

4. In a machine for pointing the ends of workpieces which are each characterized by a shank portion and a head portion of larger diameter than the shank portion, means for supporting the heads of a plurality of the Workpieces for movement in single le formation along a predetermined horizontal path, a pair of pointing dies positioned laterally on opposite sides of said path, a pair of movably mounted supporting members for said dies, means for moving said die supporting members horizontally in non-linear closed paths to intermittently bring the dies toward each other into cooperative opposed pinching engagement with the depending ends of the shank portions of successive workpieces, and means for moving said workpieces along said supporting means in timed relation to the movement of said dies and into position for enga-gement between said dies.

5. In a machine for pointing the ends of workpieces which are each characterized by a shank portion and a head portion, means for supporting a plurality of the workpieces for movement in single le formation along a predetermined generally horizontal path with the shank portions in depending relation, a pair of kpointing dies positioned on opposite sides of said path, a pair of supporting members for said dies mounted for movement in closed generally circular paths, eccentric means for moving said die supportingl members to intermittently bring the dies into cooperative pinching engagement with successive workpieces, means along said supporting means for separating said workpiecesr into predetermined spaced relation and means connected withsaid ydie supporting members for moving said workpieces along said support' ing means in timed relation to the movement of said dies whereby to position the Shanks of successive workpieces between saiddies.

6. In a machine for pinchpointing the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by a shank portion and a head portion, means for supporting a lplurality of the work blanks for movement in single tile formationalong a predetermined path with the shank portions in depending relation therefrom, a pointing station, a pair of pointing dies positioned on opposite sides of said pointing station, a pair of supporting members for said dies, means for moving said supporting members in oppositely disposed curved paths to intermittently brin-g the dies into cooperative pinching engagement with vthe shanks of successive work blanks at the pointing station, means at the pointing station for spacing the work blanks on said supporting means and for advancing said work blanks toward said pointing station in spaced relation, and means for operating said work blank advancing means in synchronized relation with the movement of said die supporting members. i

7. In a machine for pointing the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by a shank portion andl v to intermittently bring the dies into cooperative pinching engagement with successive work blanks, a work blank Vseparating member mounted on one of said die holders and movable ktherewith intermittently into the -path of movement of the work blanks to separate the work blanks and space the same in the direction of the advancing movement thereof, and linger means on one of said die' holders for engaging intermittently with the spaced work blanks and for advancing the same to position successive blanks for engagement between said dies.

8. In a machine for pointing the ends of Work blanks which are each characterized by a shank portion and a head portion, a pair of spaced supporting rails for guiding and supporting the work blanks as they advance in single le formation along a predetermined path, a pair of pointing dies positioned on opposite sides of said path for movement beneath said rails, die holders mounted for reciprocation in oppositely disposed closed generally circular paths, means for reciprocating said die holders to intermittently bring the dies into cooperative pinching engagement with successive work blanks, a spring pressed linger mounted on one of said die holders for intermittently engaging with successive work blanks and for separating the same to align them in-spaced relation along said path, a plate member having a plurality of projecting ngers mounted on said die holder and movable into and out of the path of movement of said work blanks to advance the same in spaced relation along saidy path whereby to position successive work blanks for engagement between said dies.

9. In a machine for forming the point on the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by a head and a depending shank portion, a pointing station, a pair of supporting rails for guiding and supporting the heads of a plurality of the work blanks as they advance in single file formation' toward the pointing station, a pair of dies mountedrat the pointing station beneath said rails, a pair of die holders mounted for movement in closed generally circular paths on opposite sides of said rails, means for moving the die holders to intermittently engage the dies in pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said pinching station, a resilient ystop member mounted onl one of said rails and projecting between said rails for temporarily stopping the movement of the Work blanks, a separating finger on one of said die holders which is intermittently movable into the path of movement of the work blanks to separate successive blanks and space the same along said supporting rails, a multiple nger forwarding plate mounted on one of said die holders and movable into the path of movement of the work blanks for advancing a plurality of the Work blanks in spaced relation along said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completed blank forwardly away from the pointing station.

10. In a machine for pinch pointing work blanks which have a head portion and a shank portion, a pointing station, a pair of supporting members for guiding and supporting the heads of a plurality of the blanks as they are advanced to the pointing station, a pair of pointing dies mounted for movement at said station on opposite sides of the path of movement of the work blanks, a pair of movable holder members for said dies, means for moving said holder members in a closed generally circular path to intermittently bring the dies into Icooperative pinching engagement with successive work blanks positioned at the pinching station,l a blank separating member mounted on one of said holders for separating the blanks and spacing the same along said supporting members, a blank advancing member mounted on one of said holder members, said blank advancing member having a plurality of projecting ngers which are adapted to move into the path of the blanks and to advance a series of the spaced blanks to and beyond the pinching station, a hold-down device having a plurality of hold-down shoes engaging the tops of the blanks as they advance through the pinching station.

ll. In a machine for pointing headed screw forming blanks, a work station, a feed mechanism for delivering blanks to the work station in single file relation, a slotted 15 blank supporting and :guiding detice extending. along Said work station, meansvfonadvancinggthe blanksin predetermined spaced relationthrough theslot in saidsupporting and guiding device, a pair of pinch pointing dies arranged at'said work station in laterally disposed relation beneath said `blank supporting and `guiding device for movement in a plane normal -to the long axis of the blanks, die `carriers mounted `at said work station for orbital movement on opposite sides of the `slot in said blanksupporting and guiding-device, and means for moving Asaid die carriers in timed relation tothe movement of the `blanks to engage the depending ends `of successive blanks between saidpoi-,nting dies.

,12. In a machine for, pointing work blankstof the head and shank type, a work station, a `feed mechanism for delivering blanks in `a s ingleline, a slotted blank supporting and guiding `deviceifor `said blanks kat said work station, means for advancinglthe blanks in predetermined spaced relation through the Vslot in said'supporting and guiding device, a pair of rela-tively movable pinch pointing dies arranged adjacent said blank supporting and guiding device, diecarriers, means for moving said carriers in `orbital paths which `are oppositely disposed relative to each other and to the slot in said blank supporting and guiding device, and aneccentric connection between said rotatable means and said diecarriers whereby to intermittently engage said pointing rdies `with the depending ends of successive blanks.

13. A machine for pointing blanks of the head` and shank type comprising a work station, a feedmechanism for delivering blanks in single file relationtoward the work station, a slotted blank supporting and guiding de vice at said work station, means for arranging thevblanks in predetermined spaced-relation and for advancing the blanks through the slot in said `supporting and guiding device, a pair of pinch pointing dies arranged adjacent said supporting and guidingdevice, die carriers mounted for movement in laterally disposed closed circular paths on opposite sides ofthe slot in said blank supportingand guiding device, means forrmovingsaidL die carriers in timed relation to the movement of said blankadvancing means, and means along saidtblanksupporting and guiding device for holding said blanks in alignment at said work` station whereby the ends of successive blanks are gengaged between said pointing dies anda point is formed thereon.

14. A machine as recited in claim 13 wherein said means for holding said blanks in alignment comprisesa plurality of hold-down shoes-mounted adjacent said blank supporting and guiding device in position for engaging the heads of the blanks Whichare supported on the latter.

l5. A machine as recited in claim 14 wherein said holddown shoes have resilient means for urgingthe same v toward said blank supporting and guiding device.

16. A machine for pointing workpieces `which are characterized by a head portion and an integral shank portion, said machine comprising a work-,station,-means for supporting a plurality of `the Workpieces for movement to said work station `in a predetermined horizontal path with the shank portions thereof in depending relation, a pair of pinching dies atsaidtwork station, holders for said dies mounted for movement in a horizontal plane on opposite sides of the path of movement of said workpieces, means for continuously moving said die holders in closed generally circular pathstoiintermittently -bring said dies into point forming engagement with the shank ends of successive workpieces, and means for advancing said workpieces intermittently in predetermined spaced single tile relation along said supportingV means to said work station whereby to position successiveworkpieces between said dies for engagement thereby.

17. A machine for `pointing work blanks which are characterized by a head portion andan integral shank portion extendingtherefrom, means for ,supporting a plurality of the work blanks with their shank portions in 16 dependingrelation therefrom, pinching dies `arranged on oppositesides of the work blanksupporting means, holder`s,for saidpinching dies, means supporting said holders forgenerallycircular movement to intermittently bring thepinching dies into vcooperative point forming relation, meansfor advancing the blanks along the path provided by said supporting means to position successive blanks for engagement of the ends of the shank portions by the pinching dies, and resilient means along said blank supporting means for engaging ,the heads of the blanks to maintain the same inA proper alignment while they are being advanced to and beyond said pinching dies and means to operate the blank advancing means and the die holders insynchronized relation.

418. A machine for pointing work blanks which are characterized by a head portion and an integral shank portion extending therefrom, means forming a guideway for supporting a plurality of the work blanks with their shank portions` extending in depending relation therein, pinching diesarranged in laterally disposed relation beneath said guideway f orrning means, holders for said pinching dies, means supporting said holders for predetermined movement in curved paths to intermittently bring the pinching diesinto cooperative point forming relation, means for `advancingthe work blanks along said guideway forming means to position the Shanks of successive blanks for engagement of theV ends thereof by the pinching dies,` and resilient meansabove said guideway forming means forengaging the work blanks to maintain the shanks in `proper vertical alignment while they are being advancedand pointed and means to operate the die holders in synchronized relation withthe work blank advancing means.

19. .A machine for pointing work blanks which are characterized .by a head portion and an integral shank portion extending therefrom, means engaging the heads of a plurality of thework blanks for supporting the same with their shank portions in depending relation therefrom, pinch pointing. dies arranged adjacent the blank supporting means,holders for said pointing dies, means supporting said holders for movement in a plane normal to the long axis of theshank portions of said blanks to intermittently bring the, pointing dies into opposed cooperative point forming .,relation, means for advancing the work blanks tovposition successive blanks for engagement of the shank ends .between the pointing dies, and means along the `blank supporting means for resiliently engaging the heads ofthe work blanks to 4maintain the Shanks thereof in Vproper alignment while they are being advanced.to and beyond said ypointing dies and means to operatelthe. dieholders in synchronized relation with the work blank advancing means.

i 20. A machine for pointing work blanks which are characterized bya head portion and an integral shank portion,;means for supporting a line of the work blanks with their shank portions extending laterally of the direction of movement thereof and in parallel planes, pinchingdies arranged adjacent the blank `supporting means, holders for said pinching dies, continuously rotating meansconnected `with saiddie holders for moving the same in yoppositely disposed generally circular closed paths ,to intermittently bring the dies into cooperative blank pinching relation, means for advancing the blanks along said supportingmeans to position successive blanks for engagement of the ends of the shank portions by therdiesmeans for engaging the heads ofthe blanks to .maintain the same in alignment as they are advanced to and between the dies and means to operate the blank advancing means andthe die holder rotating means in 7o a pairoflaterally spaced supporting rails for guiding and Supporting `a plurality of the blanks as they advance in .is intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and to space the same along said supporting rails, a pair of multiple finger forwarding plates mounted on said die holders and movable therewith into the path of movement of the work blanks for advancing a plurality of the spaced work blanks simultaneously valong said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completed blanks forwardly towards the discharge end of the machine.

22. In a machine for forming points on the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by ahead and a shank portion, a pointing station, a pair of spaced supporting members for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they advance in single le formation toward the pointing station, a pair of dies mounted at the pointing station adjacent said members, a pair of die holders mounted for movement in closed circular paths on opposite sides of the path of said blanks, means for moving the die holders to intermittently engage the dies in pitching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, a retractable stop member resilientlyk mounted on one of said blank supporting members andy projecting between the same for temporarily stopping the movement of the blanks, a separating finger on one of said die holders which is intermittently movable therewith into the path of movement of the work blanks to move successive blanks into spaced relation along said supporting members, a forwarding plate having spaced grooves on its inner end mounted on one of said die holders and movable into the path of movement of the work blanks for engaging a plurality of the work blanks in said grooves and for advancing the same in spaced relation along said supporting members whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completed blanks forwardly away from the pointing station.

23. In a machine as recited in claim 22 and said separating finger being retractably mounted in a recess in said die holder and having resilient means for urging it toward the path of movement of said blanks.

24. In a machine for pinch pointing work blanks of the type which have a head portion and a shank portion,

a supporting frame providing a pointing station, a pair of supporting bar members for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they are advanced to the pointing station, a pair of pointing dies mounted for movement at'said station on opposite sides of the path of movement of the work blanks, a pair of holder members for said dies, means mounting said die holder members for movement in generally circular closed paths to intermittently bring the dies into cooperative pinching engagement with successive work blanks positioned at the pointing station, means for supplying blanks to said supporting bar members, a blank separating member mounted on one of said die holders for separating the blanks and spacing rthe same along said supporting bar members, blank' advancing means includingy a plurality of Aprojecting ngers which are adapted to move into the path of the blanks and to advance a series of the spaced blanks to and beyond the pointing station, and an adjustably mounted hold-down device above said blank Vsupporting bar members for engaging the tops'of the blanks as vthey advancealong the same through the pointing station.

25. In a machine for pinch pointing work blanks'which have a head portion and a shank portion, a pointing station, a pair of supporting members for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they kare advanced tol the* pointing station, a pair of pointing dies mounted for movement at said station on opposite sides of the path of-movement of the work blanks, a pair of holder members for said dies, means mounting said die holder members for movement in oppositely disposed generally circular closed paths to intermittently bring the dies into cooperative pinching engagement with successive work blanks positioned at the pointing station, a blank separating member mounted on one of said holders for separating the blanks and `spacing the same along said supporting members, a blank advancing member mounted on one of said holder members and having a plurality of spaced projecting fingers which are adapted to move into the path of the blanks and to advance a series of the spaced blanks to 'and beyond the lpointing station, and

a hold-down device for engaging the blanks as they ad-A vance through the pointing'station, said hold-down device comprisingr a bar adjustably mounted above said blank guiding and supporting members' and having spaced vertical recesses therein, a plurality of pins mounted in said recesses, `spring members urging said pins toward said blank supporting members and shoes on said pins for engaging with the heads of the blanks on said supporting members.

` 26. In a metalworking machine for shaping workpieces, a pair of shaping dies, a pair of carrier members for movably `mounting said dies, a pair of vertical shafts for each of said carriers, a frame having spaced upper and lower bearing blocks, means cooperating with said bearing blocks to' form an oil chamber between the same, bearing sleeves in said bearing blocks for receiving said vertical shafts, means to rotate one of said shafts, connecting drive means between said shafts, said connecting drive means comprising pairs of helical gears, said helical gears beingmounted on said shafts in the space between said bearing vblocks and each pair thereof being arranged toV force oil upwardly between their contacting teeth, and connecting oil passageways in said shafts and said bearing sleeves above said pairs of helical gears which receive oil from said gears and provide circulation thereof upwardly out of the oil chamber to the top of the shafts and then downwardly to the oil chamber. y

27. In a machine having pairs of shafts journaled in spaced bearing blocks which form therebetweeny a lubricating oil supply chamber, each pair of said shafts being connected by a pair of helical drive gears mounted thereon, said pair of gears being rotated to pick up oil in the supply chamber and force the same upwardly between the working surfaces of the teeth, connecting oil passageways in the upper bearing block and the shafts for receiving the oil `from the helical gears and for conveying the same to the journals of the machine.

28. In a machine having a frame provided with a bearing block, vertical bearing formations in said bearing block, means forming a lubricating oil chamber beneath said bearing block, Vertical shafts mounted in said bearing formations, a pair of helical drive gears on said shafts and engaging with the lower face of said bearing block,

said bearing block having oil grooves in the face engaging supporting a plurality of the blanks as they advance in single le formation toward the pointing station, a pair of dies mounted at the pointing station adjacent said rails, a

pair ofdie holders, means for moving `the die holders in Lclosed generally circular paths which extend at the pointing station on opposite sides of the pathof movement of said `blanks'for intermittently engaging ythe dies inV pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, a resilient stop member mounted on one of said rails for temporarily stopping the movement of the work blanks, a starter finger onone of said die holders which is intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and :to spaceV l l' thesame along said supporting rails, a multiple finger forwarding plate mounted on one of said die holdersv and movable therewith into the .path of movement of the work blanks for advancing a plurality of the spaced work blanks simultaneously along said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing `station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move `the completed blanks forwardly towards the discharge endof the machine.

In e machinefor formingpointson theends of-work blanks which are Yeach characterized `by a head and a shank portion extending therefrom, a pointing station, a pair of laterally spaced supporting rails for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they advance in single tile formation toward the pointing station, a pair ofl dies mounted at the pointing station adjacent said rails, a

pair of elongated die holders, ypairs of vertical shafts for supporting the die holders, eccentric connections' between the vertical shafts and the ends of the die holders whereby upon rotation of the shafts the die holders move in closed paths which extend at the pointing station on'opposite sides of the path of movement of said blanks for intermtitently engaging the dies in pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, a resilient stop member mounted on one of said rails for temporarily stopping the movement ofthe Awork blanks, a starter finger on one of said die holders which is intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and to space the same along said supporting rails, a multiple finger forwarding plate mounted on one of said die holders and movable therewith into the path of movement of the work blanks for advancing a plurality of the spaced work blanks simultaneously along said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing 0peraton and thereafter to move the completed blanks forwardly towards the discharge end of the machine.

3l. In a machine for forming points on the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by a head .and a shank `portion extending therefrom, a pointing station, a` pair of laterally spaced Supporting rails for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they advance in single file formation toward the pointing station, a pair of dies mounted at the pointing station adjacent said rails, a pair of elongate ldie holders, parallel vertical shafts for supporting said die holders, said shafts being arranged in generally rectangular formation with a shaft extending through a bearing aperture atA each end of a die holder, eccentric bearing connections between the shafts and the die holders, means for rotating the shafts simultaneously to move the die holders in closed paths which extend at the pointing station on opposite sidesl of the path of movement of said `blanks whereby to intermittently engage the dies in pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, a resilient stop member mounted on'one of said rails for temporarily stopping the movement of the work blanks,` a starter finger on one of said die holders whichis intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and to space the same along said supporting rails, a multiple niger forwarding plate mounted on one `of saiddie holders and movable therewith intothe path of ,movement of the work blanks for advancing a plurality of the spaced work. blanks simultaneously along said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completedblanks .folwardly a shank portion extending thereform, a pointing station,`

a pair of laterally spaced supporting rails for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they advance in single file formation toward the pointing station, `a pair ot' dies mounted at the pointing station beneath said rails, a pair of elongate die holders of generally rectangular cross section, oppositely disposed pairs of vertical shafts, each pair of shafts having eccentrics on their upper ends which connect with the opposite ends of a die holder whereby rotation of the shafts moves the die holders in closed paths which extend at the pointing station on opposite sides of the path of movement of said blanks for intermittently engaging the dies in pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, aL resilient stop member mounted on one of said rails for temporarily stopping the movement of the work blanks, a starter linger on one of said die holders which is intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and to space the same along said supporting rails, a multiple finger forwarding plate mounted on one of said die holders and movable therewith into the path of movement of the work blanks for advancing a plurality of the spaced work blanks simultaneously along said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completed blanks forwardly towards the discharge end of the machine.

33. In a machine for forming points on the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by a head and a shank portion extending therefrom, a pointing station, a pair of laterallyr spaced` supporting rails for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they advance in single file formation toward the ,pointing station, a pair of dies mounted at the pointing station adjacent said rails, a pair of die holders, means for moving the die holders in closed generally circular paths which extend at the pointing station on opposite sidesof the path of movement of said blanks for intermittently engaging the dies in pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, a resilient stop member mounted on one of said rails for temporarily stopping the movement of the work blanks, a starter finger on ,one `of said die holders which is intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and to space the same along said supporting rails, blank forwarding plates mounted in opposed relation on said die holders, said plates each having a plurality of blank engaging fingers adapted to move into the path of advancing movement of the spaced blanks, the fingers on one of said plates being staggered relative to the fingers on the opposed plate so that a plurality of the blanks are engaged between cooperating pairs of said fingers and said blanks are advanced simultaneously along said rails whereby to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completed blanks forwardly towards the discharge end of the machine.

34. In a machine for forming points on the ends of work blanks which are each characterized by a head and a shank portion extending therefrom, a pointing station, a pair of laterally spaced supporting rails for guiding and supporting a plurality of the blanks as they ad- Vance in single tile formation toward the pointing station, a pair of dies mounted at the pointing station ad jacent said rails, a pair of die holders, means for moving the die holders in closed generally circular paths which extend at the pointing station on opposite sides of the path of movement of said blanks for intermittently engaging the dies in pinching relation with a work blank positioned at said station, a resilient stop member mounted on one t 21 of said rails for temporarily stopping the movement of the work blanks, a starter nger on one of said die holders which is intermittently movable into engagement with successive blanks to resume the movement of the blanks and to space the same along said supporting rails, a plurality of opposed blank engaging lingers mounted on the respective die holders and movable with the latter into the path of movement of the blanks, the lingers on one of said die holders being movable into engagement with the trailing sides of a plurality of the spaced blanks and the fingers on the other one of said die holders being movable into engagement with the leading sides of the spaced blanks whereby to hold the blanks between the lingers while advancing the same along said rails to position successive blanks at the pointing station for the pointing operation and thereafter to move the completed blanks forwardly towards the discharge end of the machine.

35. Ina machine for pointing workpieces, a pointing station, means for advancing workpieces to the pointing station, die pointing members, holders for said die pointing members, and means for moving the holders in orbital paths on opposite sides of workpieces at the pointing station whereby to move the die pointing members intermittently into cooperative relation for engaging successive workpieces to point the same.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,261,007 Talbot Oct. 28, 1941 2,540,058 Stern Jan. 30, 1951 2,591,285 Overly Apr. 1, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 909,925 Germany Apr. 26, 1954 

